The new Swedish Publishers Association, which represents the news media industry in Sweden, including broadcasters, magazines and newspapers, has joined the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).

The Swedish Association – Utgivarna – was created last year as an umbrella professional organisation for news media companies and organisations in Sweden, dedicated to upholding Swedish journalistic independence.

It groups public service and private broadcasters, the Swedish Magazine Publishers Association and the Swedish Media Publishers’ Association, the organisation for Sweden’s newspapers.

“WAN-IFRA is a key organisation that brings together all the world’s media on issues that are vital for an independent press, “ said Jeanette Gustafsdotter, CEO of Utgivarna, which joins the global organisation as an affiliate member.

Vincent Peyrègne, CEO of WAN-IFRA, said: “Sweden has long been at the forefront of news media convergence. The creation of a multi-media association, and its place among WAN-IFRA’s worldwide membership, reflects a simple truth emerging in today’s news media landscape: collaboration is essential, and traditional media have largely become multi-media companies. But perhaps more importantly are common values: press freedom, innovation and economic independence as an essential condition of that freedom, must be defended and promoted, without regard to publishing platform.

“Sweden, as well as Norway, Finland and Denmark, where newspapers, magazines and broadcasters already work in global umbrella trade organisation, initiates an emerging trend of cross platform cooperation at the highest level of the industry. We are proud Utgivarna recognizes WAN-IFRA’s commitment to send out a similar message at the worldwide level. ”

WAN-IFRA, the global organisation of the world’s newspapers and news publishers, now represents 79 national newspaper and media business associations, 29 regional and academic organisations, and nine news agencies. It membership includes more than 18,000 publications 15,000 online sites and more than 3,000 companies in 120 countries. Its core mission is to defend and promote press freedom, quality journalism and editorial integrity and the development of prosperous businesses.